MSNBC host Melissa Harris-Perry had a public disagreement with the network about her eponymous, acclaimed show after the host fought execs to cover the race and gender politics surrounding Beyoncé’s new song “Formation” instead of presidential politics. MSNBC bumped her morning talk show on February 13/14 and again February 20/21 following that coverage, which caused Harris-Perry to boycott the show. CNN now reports that Harris-Perry probably won’t make a return: “Her MSNBC contract expires in October. Two sources agreed it is ‘highly unlikely’ she will ever be back on the show.” In Harris-Perry’s letter published on Medium this week, the journalist and political commentator wrote:
The purpose of this decision seems to be to provide cover for MSNBC, not to provide voice for MHP Show. I will not be used as a tool for their purposes. I am not a token, mammy, or little brown bobble head. I am not owned by Lack, Griffin, or MSNBC. I love our show. I want it back. I have wept more tears than I can count and I find this deeply painful, but I don’t want back on air at any cost. I am only willing to return when that return happens under certain terms.